A former schoolhouse, built in 1860, will soon be opening as apartments on Hardy Street, Nelson.
The building is separated by a glorious courtyard and a quirky former safe,-turned beer fridge, with a capacity to sleep 12 in total. Owners Jason and Jennifer Monopoli hope it will appeal to mountainbikers and historical interest groups alike.
Covid-19 lockdown and supply chain issues aside, the refurbishment at Hardy Street School House is on track to welcome guests before Christmas.
The couple bought the property after seeing a listing that was asking vendors to turn it into an office. Jason and Jennifer left the viewing one Saturday morning knowing “we had to buy it”.
Inside, local contractors C Moore Building have stripped it out, demolished a toilet block and removed any trace of the building’s former tenants - the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Works.
The contractors have checked for borer and took the structure back to how it was built 160 years ago. Impressive beams have been left exposed in a soon-to-be kitchen, dining, and lounge area. A 100-year-old drop ceiling made of heart rimu is also now destined to be a dining table.
C Moore Building foreman Nathan McMahon says it’s a nice project to work on. He says he has been enjoying the historical nature of work.
“The older builders are finding it hard to go from new to old, but it’s been good for the apprentices.”
Glance into any room and you will find a nod to the past with historical features throughout. Stripped back to the framework, the builders are going the extra mile to rebuild using original materials.
“One of our guys has gone back to England for a holiday and he’s bringing back floor brads (flooring nails) that are manufactured using traditional methods in Burnley,” Nathan says.
Joiners Cooper Webley are making the kitchen from the recycled timber and the builders have custom-made a profile to recreate the tongue and groove in the hallway.
Jason says he has used local trades all the way.
“They have been supportive and very helpful.”
He is enjoying the process of uncovering historical gems. Stones from the Boulder Bank act as foundation blocks. Now, with a box of artifacts, which include books and original post office blueprints, he plans to cut an insert in the entrance hallway and cover them with clear Perspex.
Sourcing boxes of books at Founders Book Fair will make it easier to fill the bookshelf.
Jennifer says the best part of the project for her is seeing evidence of students’ writing on the walls from back in the 1800s.
Student graffiti was found on one of the walls: ‘Eliza first in her class’, one scribble reads.
A Nelson flag will fly proudly on the flagpole. Once operational, Jason will be encouraging guests to send postcards from the oldest operating post box in New Zealand.
It stands proud outside the only remaining building in Nelson with vertical battening. Follow the progress at Hardy Street School House on Facebook.
